Would You Ice Skate to Work?

Ice Skating Lane in Edmonton AB

In most big cities there are sidewalks and bike lanes for pedestrians to take advantage of. These lanes make it easier to get from one place to another, using your own method of transportation. It is important for cities to be pedestrian friendly as well as driver friendly. Everyone has their own way of getting where they need to go. Recently it became a discussion about whether or not there should be an ice skating lane in Edmonton AB.

Canada is known for its harsh winters, so it’s no surprise that people would consider ice skating to work or school. Edmonton, Alberta is now considering a way that would make this a much more realistic travel option. This ice path, called the Freezeway, will be 6.8 miles of ice through Edmonton using existing pathways in the city, including an abandoned rail line. The plan would include building curbs along each side of the route which would allow water to freeze. The proposal is still being negotiated but they hope the lane would be perfect for bicyclists in the summer or they might even consider artificial ice for skaters to enjoy the lane all year long.

The idea behind this whole concept is to create more ways for people to enjoy winter instead of seeing it has a burden. The lane could be used both for recreation and transportation. Another similar idea is already underway in Ottawa, where people skate across the Rideau Canal in winter. Other places like Helsinki, Finland have even adopted a ski path on the city’s waterways in winter. There is no guarantee that the Freezeway will happen, but it is an interesting way to make the winter months a little more enjoyable in Edmonton.